Let's Talk Education Africa

Access to quality education remains one of Africa's greatest challenges. Not because schools are unavailable, but because affordability, financing, and long-term sustainability continue to limit learning opportunities for millions of children across the continent.In this episode, Senyo speaks with Irene, founder of the IDP Foundation and author of The School in the Market, about IDP's approach to strengthening low-fee non-state schools through sustainable financing. They discuss the role of governments, philanthropy, and local entrepreneurship in expanding access to quality education, as well as practical lessons for those seeking to replicate this model in other contexts.

Maybe the problem isn't that young people can't learn tech. Maybe it's how we've been teaching it.In this episode, Senyo speaks with Michelle, founder of Nyansapo Institute, about why too many learners leave school knowing the theory but lacking the skills to build, create, and solve real problems. They discuss what it takes to prepare young people for careers in tech, why hands-on learning matters more than memorization, and how giving learners real projects (not just lessons) can completely change the way they see STEM.

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Fatma, an education leader whose journey spans public health, child protection, international development, and school leadership, to explore what future-ready education looks like in a world shaped by rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, and evolving workforce demands.Fatma reflects on the purpose of schooling, the skills young people need to thrive, and why critical thinking, leadership, communication, and adaptability are becoming increasingly important. She challenges us to rethink the role of school, the limits of exam-driven learning, and why the future of education begins and ends with the teacher.

In this episode, Aml speaks with Evans Sinkari, Country Director of Right to Play Ghana, an international NGO dedicated to educating, protecting, and empowering children through the power of play. This conversation addresses the key barriers to children's access to quality education in Ghana, the importance of child-centered learning, and how collaboration among educators, families, and community stakeholders can create lasting change. Evans also shares inspiring stories from the field and gives a glimpse into Right to Play's exciting plans to scale early childhood education training across communities.

In this episode, Senyo speaks with education economist and researcher Dr. Peter Anti-Partey on the realities of education financing in Ghana and across Africa. Far from a simple case of "no money," Dr. Anti-Partey reveals how political interests, inefficient spending, and a disregard for data-driven equity are stalling educational progress. The episode further examines the role of citizens and civil society in demanding long-term reforms and why sustainable educational development requires leaders willing to think beyond election cycles. Drawing on his extensive field experience with organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF, Dr. Anti-Partey demonstrates that the true crisis isn't just about how much we spend, but how wisely and equitably we invest in the next generation.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Prof. Ulrich Paquet, Research Scientist at Google DeepMind and Director of AI at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), and Sepehr Hejazi Moghadam, Senior Programme Manager at Google.org and lead of the Science Ecosystem portfolio, to unpack the launch of a freely accessible AI curriculum. Developed from the ground up with African educators to include culturally relevant cases, the programme is specifically designed to close the technical skills gap facing African universities and students.With Nobel Prize-winning AI tools like AlphaFold already impacting the work of 25,000 African researchers, and the Ubuntu philosophy "I am because we are" shaping the heart of responsible innovation, this conversation highlights why equipping African AI talent is not just a regional priority, but a global one. Because, as Sepehr puts it: "AI systems reflect those who build them."Google is betting on African brilliance to close the digital gap and reshape the global tech landscape. Tune in to learn how you can get started on the curriculum today at skills.google.

In this episode, Aml speaks with Jane Clayson Johnson and Brian Ashton, president of BYU Pathway Worldwide, together with a Ghanaian student, Benjamin Kwesi Ahialorxo, whose life has been directly transformed by the program. BYU Pathway's efforts have provided thousands of students in Africa with greater access to higher education, making it more affordable and closely linked to real opportunities for growth and employment.The conversation weaves through the vision behind the program, how it sustains its low-cost model, its growing footprint across Africa, and the global connection between education and employment. This episode reflects how meaningful access to education can reshape futures, expand possibilities, and create lasting impact across communities.

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Evelyne Keomian-Wood, founder of the Karat School Project. Evelyne’s early experiences with hunger, poverty, and limited access to learning shaped her belief that education can break cycles of poverty, a belief that has led her to establish the Karat School Project.The conversation highlights the key barriers many children still face in accessing education, particularly in communities where deeply rooted beliefs often see girls being prepared for marriage and motherhood rather than the classroom. Evelyne breaks down the Karat School Project’s mission to change that narrative, running a full-time education center for several years that equips students with the supplies, support, and nurturing environment they need to learn and thrive.From children living in extreme poverty to those working on the streets or at risk of early marriage, the program focuses on those most often left out of the education system. At its core, the work goes beyond simply getting children into school but aims to instill a lifelong love for learning.

Imagine a child in a classroom, bright, curious, and full of ideas. But every time words dance on the page, they twist into shapes that don’t make sense. The teacher thinks the child isn’t trying hard enough, and report cards carry painful labels that stick for years. Yet beneath all that, the child isn’t slow. The child isn’t incapable. The child simply learns differently.In this episode, Aml speaks with Rosaline Abigail Kyere-Nartey, founder and executive director of the Africa Dyslexia Organization, about how her late discovery of dyslexia propelled her into building one of Africa’s leading movements for learning-difference awareness and support.Rosaline shares how her frustration as a misunderstood learner became the seed for an organization now driving awareness, teacher training, policy advocacy, and research around learning differences, particularly dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and dyspraxia. She also reflects on the Africa Dyslexia Conference and why so many learners with extraordinary abilities continue to be overlooked.Africa is losing countless brilliant minds, not to lack of ability, but to lack of understanding. And changing that begins with awareness, compassion, and systems that recognize every learner’s potential. This conversation is a reminder that talent is everywhere, but understanding and support are what allow it to thrive.

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Mr. Modern Karema, the Uganda Country Director for STiR Education, about the organization’s mission to help teachers thrive and transform learning outcomes. The conversation explores STiR Education’s efforts in strengthening education systems by building the capacity of government structures rather than creating parallel ones and helping school leaders, district offices, and national agencies work together more effectively.A central focus of the conversation is on teacher motivation, which STiR approaches through intrinsic drivers: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Mr. Modern reflects on what it takes for teachers to genuinely enjoy teaching, what “love for teaching” looks like in practice, and how non-financial motivation strategies can lead to more empowered, learner-centred classrooms.

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Lazarus Muthenya, Programmes Manager at Edutab Africa, a Kenyan EdTech organization making digital learning accessible to offline communities across Kenya and beyond.Lazarus takes us inside Edutab’s mission and the pillars that drive their work: Digital Learning Solutions, Teacher Professional Development, STEAM education, and the African Children’s Stories podcast which promotes literacy and fosters a culture of learning across Africa. He discusses the critical need for reaching offline learners, how Edutab aligns its content with national standards, and the innovative ways they track learning outcomes even in low-connectivity environments.The conversation also explores the lessons learned, challenges faced, and innovations shaping Edutab’s journey to deliver quality, inclusive learning experiences.

Education technology (EdTech) is widely recognized for its potential to strengthen access, improve quality, and bridge gaps in Africa’s education systems. Yet, the expectations of EdTech have not always matched the reality on the ground. Uncertainties linger around access, sustainability, equity, and whether technology is truly transforming learning outcomes for African students.In this episode, Senyo speaks with John Kimotho, Head of Office for Africa at the Spix Foundation, EdTech consultant with the World Bank Group and AUDA-NEPAD, and former Director of Educational Media at Kenya’s Ministry of Education. With over 42 years of experience in education technology, John has led landmark initiatives, including the deployment of technology in more than 23,000 schools across Kenya, and has worked with the UN and other partners to pioneer EdTech solutions across the continent.The conversation answers key questions: How can we ensure the quality of digital learning content matches the scale of access? What financing models can sustain EdTech deployment without burdening families or governments? And importantly, how do we prevent technology from widening existing inequalities in education?John also shares reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and future of EdTech in Africa.

What began as a simple high school project has, over the past two decades, grown into a transformative force for education, health, and community development. Julie-Anne and three friends launched the African Education Program (AEP) with nothing more than books, computers, and a desire to make a meaningful connection with disadvantaged youth in Kafue, Zambia. Over the years, their work has been shaped by the voices and challenges of young people and the community, gradually evolving into an organization that now unlocks potential of African youth and adults by building community-led organizations focused on quality education, health, and community development.In this episode, Aml speaks with Julie-Ann Savarit-Cosenza, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AEP, about the organization’s transformation over the years, including the creation of their flagship Learning and Leadership Center, which provides a safe space for young people to learn, lead, and thrive. The conversation dives into AEP’s mission to nurture changemakers, the partnerships that have strengthened their impact, and the ways they measure social transformation of the program, from education and reproductive health outcomes to economic empowerment for women and inclusion for children with disabilities. 

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on an upcoming event transforming how African educators connect, collaborate, and champion education rooted in African realities- The AfricanISE Virtual Conference. Created to fill the gap for a dedicated space centering African voices and issues in education, this gathering aims to inspire a renewed sense of urgency and purpose among educators across the continent.Senyo speaks with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, founder of Identity Talk Consulting, whose work rests on three pillars: culturally responsive teaching, identity-affirming education, and anti-bias, anti-racist practices to develop K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Kwame shares his journey from classroom teacher to global consultant, and the ideas behind his newest book, Learn to Relearn: Supporting Identity in Culturally Affirming Classroom", which challenges educators to dismantle systemic biases and embrace inclusive, decolonized teaching practices. He also offers insights into the five strands shaping the conference’s agenda, promising conversations that will equip educators to reimagine learning for African contexts. Date 📅: Saturday, 6th September, 2025Register here: https://lnkd.in/dFkW4Tff

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Lawrence Boakye Dankwah, Head of Education Programs at EduSpots, an organization reshaping education through a community-led model that centers local leadership and ownership. EduSpots began with the simple idea of “reading spots” and has since evolved into a dynamic network of over 50 community owned learning spaces, known as “Spots,” spread across Ghana and beyond. At the heart of EduSpots’ approach is a belief in the power of communities to drive their own change when equipped with the right tools and trust.Lawrence unpacks how EduSpots decentralizes education from the traditional classroom model, creating spaces where learning is co-created by the community. He shares insights into flagship initiatives like the Ignite Programme, and the Catalyse Leadership Programme- all designed to cultivate local agency and innovation. He also reflects on the organization’s growing impact and the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling a truly community-owned model.

“If you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.” - Dr. James Kwegyir AggreyGirls’ education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming societies across Africa. Educated girls are more likely to become empowered women who uplift their families, communities, and nations. Yet, barriers such as poverty, gender norms, and disability continue to limit access for many girls across the continent. From rural villages to urban centers, grassroots organizations and advocates are working tirelessly to break these barriers and ensure that no girl is left behind.In this episode, Aml speaks with Elizabeth Patterson, a social entrepreneur and educator who founded the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG). With a mission rooted in equity and empowerment, GEIG has spent over a decade providing academic and financial support to girls, especially those with special needs or disabilities in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. Elizabeth and her team share GEIG’s inspiring founding story, the evolution of their community-centered approach, and heartwarming impact stories that showcase the power of inclusive education.

While many African classrooms continue to center instruction around textbooks and rigid curriculums, we continue to ask: Are we truly equipping our learners with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world? As the demands of the 21st century evolve, so too must our approach to learning. This episode explores the urgent need to move beyond rote learning and reimagine education through the lenses of context, identity, and innovation.In this episode, Kwame speaks with Eugenia Tachie-Menson, a literacy trailblazer and Country Director at the Young Educators Foundation (YEF), whose mission is to nurture Ghanaian learners through literacy, critical thinking, and 21st-century skills. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Eugenia offers profound insights on the disconnect between traditional schooling and real-world preparation. She discusses the limitations of book-based learning, the importance of context-specific knowledge, and how everyday experiences contribute to a broader definition of education. The conversation also dives into how technology can serve as a bridge to inclusion and relevance, and what it truly means to be a future-ready learner in Africa today.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Dr. Vida Awinime Bugri, a dedicated researcher and passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM education. With teaching experience in France and a strong commitment to social justice, she has seen firsthand the systemic challenges women face in STEM fields. This insight inspired her to establish Eduvision, an NGO focused on empowering, mentoring, and training women in STEM across Ghana.In this conversation, Vida discusses her research on ‘The Impact of STEM Higher Education in the Economic Development of Ghana,’ revealing key findings that shed light on the critical role of STEM education in Ghana’s economic growth. Furthermore, she offers insights into the current state of STEM inclusivity in Africa, highlighting challenges and opportunities for improvement, and shares her compelling vision for transforming STEM education, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, diversity, and innovation.

Could the solutions to learning crisis already exist within education systems?In this episode, Aml speaks with Jessica Bergmann, an Education Research Specialist at UNICEF Innocenti, on the Data Must Speak positive deviance research. For the past 3 years, Jessica has been supporting this initiative, which empowers school actors as change agents and aims to harness existing data and local solutions to improve learning outcomes.The DMS positive deviance research is being implemented in 15 countries thanks to a coalition of donors: the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX), a joint endeavour with the International Development Research Centre, Canada, Hewlett Foundation, Jacobs Foundation, Norad, Schools2030 Initiative (Aga Khan Foundation) and UNICEF internal resources.This episode highlights the key elements of the DMS research, the outcomes, and how co-creation is implemented across diverse countries and classrooms.

Education research in Africa has long been a crucial aspect of shaping the continent’s future. However, the dominance of Western-led research initiatives has often led to a lack of locally relevant evidence to inform policies and practices. In this episode, Senyo speaks with Dr. Lucy Wakiaga, Associate Research Scientist at African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). Dr. Wakiaga shares her insights on the importance of locally led research in enhancing education outcomes in Africa, emphasizing the need for African researchers to drive change. She discusses the Enhancing Education Research in Africa (EERA) project, an innovative initiative that takes an 8-part intervention approach to strengthen education research systems in Africa. By identifying and addressing the specific needs of African researchers, EERA project aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports locally led research, increases funding, and fosters intra-African collaborations. The conversation highlights the ultimate goal of improving learning outcomes for African children by generating robust evidence that informs policies and practices.

Data is the backbone of informed decision-making in education; and in today's data-driven world, it is more crucial than ever for educators to stay ahead of the curve and leverage data to drive student success. Building on this imperative, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) launched the Tackling Education and Skills Data Challenge in Africa project, a 5-year initiative aimed at supporting 30 African countries to produce and use quality data on education and skills for informed decision-making. Through this project, the Association seeks to strengthen capacity within the education system, enhancing the production and utilization of quality data across policy, planning, program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. In this episode, Senyo speaks with Inyan Udo-Umoren, Project Manager for the Tackling Education and Skills Data Challenge Project in Africa, as they delve into the significance of data-driven decision-making in education, particularly in response to crises and informing policy and planning. Inyan shares insights in education systems and expertise in education data systems, highlighting challenges, opportunities and best practices in harnessing data to improve education outcomes in Africa.

The strategic integration of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education have shown promising results globally. But what are the implications, opportunities, and challenges of these emerging fields in African educational contexts, and how can AI be harnessed in the continent’s education system?In this episode, Kwame explores these questions with Emmanuel Mawuli Kanati, a renowned Data Specialist and Researcher. Emmanuel shares his insights on the pioneering research applications driving change in African education. The conversation delves into the opportunities and challenges of harnessing AI and Data Science to enhance learning outcomes, personalized education, and strengthen administrative systems across the continent.

Kids Club Kampala is a children's charity organization founded in 2009 by three friends, Olivia, Sam, and Corrie. The organization improves livelihoods of children and families in Kampala's slum areas through three main programs: education, child protection, and family strengthening.In this episode, Aml speaks Olivia Barker White, Co-Founder and CEO, who shares the inspiring story behind Kids Club Kampala and provides insight into the organization's programs. Tune in to learn about the life-changing impact Kids Club Kampala has on children and families in Uganda.

In this episode, Senyo Speaks with Esther Tawiah, Director of the Gender Centre for Empowering Developments, as they delve into the critical topic of Decolonizing Higher Education in Africa. Esther shares her insights on the need to break free from imposed educational systems and create a path that reflects African value and knowledge. The episode also explores the delicate balance between embracing modernity and preserving traditional ways of knowing.Tune in to listen.

Can education make a meaningful contribution to peacebuilding efforts? Is education enough to achieve a lasting peace, or are other factors also necessary? In this episode, Senyo speaks with Timothy Dziedzom Amaglo-Mensah, research assistant at the University of Glasgow and co-host on PeaceEd Chat about his research on “The Purposes of Education in Peacebuilding: Views of Local Peace Actors in Diverse (post-) Conflict Societies.Timothy elaborates on the distinct ways in which education can foster peace and stability, and shares case studies of successful education initiatives that have promoted peacebuilding and conflict resolution in post-conflict settings. This episode sheds light on unanswered questions and provides a deeper understanding of the intersection of education and peacebuilding. Tune in to learn more.Read the full paper here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/14781158.2024.2382679?needAccess=true

Education is a powerful tool for transformation in Africa, but the sector faces a critical challenge: a legacy of colonialism that has shaped the continent’s higher education systems. As the continent strives to reclaim its cultural identity and address its unique challenges, the need to decolonize higher education has become increasingly urgent. But what does this mean in practice?In this episode, Senyo speaks with Pauline Essah, Chief Impact Officer at Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), to explore the complexities of this key issue. Pauline shares her insights on the tensions between research autonomy and external funding, the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge systems and the need to amplify minority voices in research.

Inspiring teachers is a leading organization committed toempowering teachers with exceptional support, enabling them to deliver high-quality lessons and enhance student learning outcomes. Through evidence-based approaches, they have positively impacted thousands of teachers across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on foundational literacy. Their teacher development programs have spanned multiple countries including Uganda, Zambia, and Ghana.In this episode, Aml speaks with Simon Graffy, Co-Founderand CEO at Inspiring Teachers, exploring the organization’s initiatives and assessingtheir innovative approaches to transforming classrooms across Africa.

For 20 years, Sabre Education has championed quality of education in Ghana, providing children with the best possible early childhood education through comprehensive teacher training, transforming school learning environments, and advocacy.In this episode, Senyo speaks with Robert Quansah, Senior ECE Technical Manager at Sabre Education to evaluate the organization’s Fast track transformation teacher training program aimed to build capacity of teachers to improve teaching practices and learning outcomes of children. Implemented in four (4) regions, the Eastern region’s rollout across 6 districts and 274 schools has equipped over 1,000 teachers, reaching over 18,000 children. Tune in for insightful discussions on the program’s effectiveness and Sabre Education’s lasting legacy.

Artificial intelligence has brought significant transformation worldwide, but beneath the surface, a concerning bias exists. AI systems are largely designed with a Western perspective, overlooking the rich cultural heritage and knowledge of indigenous communities, especially across the Sub-Saharan region. This raises a critical question: How can we create a more inclusive system that harmonizes Western and indigenous knowledge?In this episode, Senyo speaks with Dr. Yaw Ofosu Asare, delving into his research paper that explores key gaps in current AI systems and discuss strategies for leveraging AI to address these biases. Can AI be repositioned to amplify marginalized voices and ensure that diverse perspectives are no longer sidelined? Join this conversation to discover the exciting possibilities at the intersection of AI, culture, and knowledge.

In today's rapidly evolving technological terrain, research is undergoing a transformative shift. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the research process, streamlining workflows, and enhancing outcomes.In this episode, Kwame speaks with Dr. Philip Adu, a renowned researcher and founder of Research Methods Consulting, as he addresses key research challenges, and shares expert insights on navigating research complexities, leveraging AI, and ensuring research quality.

For decades, poverty, abuse, and abandonment have driven a growing number of African children to live on the streets. Since 2008, Street Child has worked tirelessly to ensure these vulnerable children are safely enrolled in schools and receiving an education. With remarkable success, they've transformed over 250,000 lives in Sierra Leone alone, providing access to quality basic education through rigorous research and innovative approaches.In this episode, Aml speaks with Kelfa Kargbo, CountryDirector of Street Child Sierra Leone, to explore the organization's impactful journey, research, and effective teaching methods, such as "Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)" and "Eagle," implemented across their operational regions.

As the world increasingly shift towards digitaltransformation, Heather Beem, CEO and Founder of Practical Education Network (PEN) conducted research to assess the feasibility, effectiveness and impact of transitioning STEM teacher training in Ghana from traditional in-person to fully online. In this Episode, Kwame speaks with Heather to explore the key findings of the research and discuss effective strategies to fostering STEM engagement, particularly among young learners. Read the full publication here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382846351_Transitioning_Hands-On_STEM_Teacher_Training_in_Ghana_from_an_In-Person_to_Online_Modality

The Jacobs Foundation is collaborating with Edlabs across four countries to enhance evidence use in education policy, addressing the limited systematic evidence on policy labs' effectiveness. In this episode, Senyo speaks with Samuel and Marcela on a recent report that analyses key issues in the use of evidence and provides practical recommendations for their mission.Read the full report here: https://jacobsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Learning-brief-policy-labs-and-evidence-use-in-education.pdf

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Triumph Tetteh, Director at Starters technology. Triumph has always been passionate about Technology and Engineering. However, his journey into education began unexpectedly while serving as a research assistant at KNUST, when he took the opportunity to give children piano lessons. This experience intrigued him about how kids' brains work and how they grasp and assimilate knowledge at very young ages, leading him to the question: "What if education was predictable given the right exposure and experience?" He became determined to create a tailored educational journey for children, utilizing data feedback to optimize their learning experiences and set them on a path to success. Triumph's outfit, Starters Technology, is a child development company that explores the interests of younger ones, using technology to guide and accelerate their growth and prepare them for future careers. By doing so, Starters Technology solves two critical problems: providing custom-designed and personalized programs for children and merging education, innovation, and career development to exist in the same system. Kwame explores Triumph's insights on the education space in Ghana, delving into Starters Technology’s successes and the impactful work they are doing nationwide.

In this episode, we delve into a conversation with Manny Oppong, COO, and Oscar Yaw Asamoah, CEO of Techten Planet, sharing their personal journeys and mission to empower the next generation of tech leaders. Driven by a shared vision, they established Techten Planet to bridge the gaping education gap in Ghana by providing practical, hands-on STEM experiences that foster lifelong learning. This conversation sheds light on the stark reality of Ghana’s education landscape, where theoretical knowledge outweighs practical skills. To address this, Techten Planet focuses on equipping students with tangible skills, enabling them to start businesses or secure employment within the tech industry. Tune in to discover Techten Planet’s commitment to their mission and their successes.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with William Odartei, a seasoned marketer and an education advocate with over 15 years of professional experience; he is the Marketing officer at TECHAiDE, a pioneering Ghanaian EdTech company. Founded by educationist Mr. Kafui Prebbie in 2011, TECHAiDE has been harnessing ICT to improve education and support youth development, and impacted over 400,000 lives through innovative programs like ASANKA, Edulab, and Makerspace, tailored for the African context. William shares his insights on Ghana's educational landscape highlights TECHAiDE's remarkable journey, successes and missions. Tune in to learn more about this promising organization.

In this episode, Kwame delves in a conversation with Charity Akpabey, a remarkable Digital Business Consultant at VGC Group and author of the empowering book, Tech Hustle. Charity's journey is a testament to her determination and adaptability, having transitioned from a non-tech background in economics, geography, population studies, and demography to achieving remarkable success in project management, programming, digital marketing, product management, and data science. Her book is a captivating fictional tale which follows a young girl's journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving tech business, offering a relatable and authentic perspective on overcoming challenges and staying true to one's passion. Charity shares her fascinating story of transformation, the motivations behind writing Tech Hustle, and her accomplishments along the way. Don't miss this uplifting discussion, packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in now to listen!

This episode unfolds the story of how a young boy’s ambitions were nearly derailed when he was denied entry into his dream university’s engineering program due to lack of science background. Despite facing rejection, his passion for technology and commitment to helping build IT solutions for people drove him to become an experienced UX specialist with a software engineering background. In this episode, Kwame speaks with Prince Boateng Asare, a co-founder and CEO of STEMAIDE Africa, an EdTech startup dedicated to revolutionizing education in Africa by fostering problem solving skills, creativity, analytical and critical thinking and an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in young Africans, sharing his insights on the latest disruptions and innovations in Ghana’s education sector. Tune to learn about the Stem Aide Africa and their work including the STEM AIDE kit, STEM Aide curriculum, and the STEM Aide Lab, designed to empower young Africans with STEM-based skills.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Genevieve Simiyu, the Chief Operating Officer at Chalkboard Education, to discuss her inspiring journey. After taking a break from school and life, Genevieve took the leap and moved to Ghana, where she worked on digital literacy projects. This experience opened her eyes to the gaps in Ghana’s education sector, particularly the lack of relevant online courses for African learners. She noticed that despite the youth’s thirst for knowledge, they faced barriers due to poor internet connectivity and non-localized content. This sparked Genevieve's quest for a more sustainable approach to education, leading to the creation of Chalkboard Education. Join us as Genevieve shares her assessments of the disruptions and innovations in the education sector post-COVID, and dives into Chalkboard Education’s mission, vision, challenges, and successes in making digital training accessible to all.

In this episode, Kwame Speaks with Ebenezer Kwaku Boakye-Yiadom, a young man who despite facing formidable challenges, his unwavering resilience and determination propelled him upward, earning him a series of distinguished degrees and certificates in Education. He’s now dedicated to impacting young minds through technology, and he works for the Triggers & Shappers Foundation as a Public Relations Officer. Triggers and Shappers is a non-governmental organization with a mission to promote a mentor and mentee model that emphasizes creativity, innovativeness, entrepreneurship and digital literacy for rural empowerment. Ebenezer shares his personal journey and inspiring stories of his organization’s impact since its inception, transforming lives in rural Ghanaian communities through digital literacy and entrepreneurship training. Tune in to learn about their work and discover ways to contribute to their mission.

In this inspiring episode, Kwame speaks with Ernestina Appiah who shares her journey from being a secretary in an IT firm to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator. She is the founder and CEO of the Ghana Code Club, an after-school program empowering children aged 5-17 with computing skills, confidence and the opportunity to shape their world. Ernestina opens up about the challenges she faced, the successes she's achieved, and the lessons she's learned along the way. She also shares her perspectives on the education space in Ghana, the importance of networking, and her advice for those looking to enter the education sector. Tune in to hear the remarkable story of Ghana Code Club, its impact, and its future plans. Get ready to be inspired by Ernestina's passion, resilience, and dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders in technology.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Noble Selorm Dzreh, a passionate Ghanaian educator and EdTech enthusiast. He is a licensed teacher with experience in Teacher Professional Development, and focused on promoting STEM-based innovations in education. Noble is the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) associate at the Ghana Society of Education Technology (GSET), a non-profit globally recognized leading professional association for Ghanaian educators leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes. They also foster a thriving ecosystem for introducing various EdTech products into the education space. Noble reflects on his journey, and shares his perspectives on the state of education in Ghana and the importance of building literacy capacity of learners and educators for successful technology integration. Additionally, he discusses GSET’S mission, achievements and challenges in driving EdTech adoption in the country.

From a young age, Dr. Nefertiti envisioned a transformative approach to education when she realized education didn’t have to be boring and tough. Her educational journey, spanning the USA and Ghana, fueled her passion for innovative teaching and learning. Driven by a desire to empower educators and revolutionize education, she pursued expertise in learning science and 21st-century teaching strategies. Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu is a renowned learning science and curriculum specialist with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. As the learning science lead at the Institute of Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL), she’s now leading the charge to transform education in Africa by enabling teachers to develop engaging, effective, and inclusive learning strategies that propel students’ success. In this episode, Kwame engages Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu in an intriguing conversation. She shares insights in her journey, from challenging traditional teaching methods to developing innovative approaches, and IATL's cutting-edge projects that are reshaping the future of learning.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Confidence Osein, a visionary woman who has carved a path in the tech space with unwavering determination. Driven by a passion to harness technology for good, she founded the Internet Safe Kids Africa, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering digitally connected young people to navigate the cyber community safely and responsibly. Kwame engages Confidence in an enlightening conversation, exploring the organization’s milestones, challenges, and inspiring success stories.

Africa, a continent teeming with diverse cultures and home to over 15% of the world's total population, has long been underrepresented online, with only about 2.5% of Wikipedia's content related to Africa. But Open Foundation West Africa is revolutionizing this landscape through its collaboration with Wikimedia. This episode features a conversation between Kwame and Ruby Damenshie-Brown, former Programs Manager at Open Foundation West Africa, discussing the organization’s remarkable initiatives bridging the digital divide and fostering collaboration and open knowledge sharing across Africa and beyond. From Kiwix for Schools project to the TAG Goals Digital project and WikiSkills for Liberian project, discover the groundbreaking work of OFWA in this enlightening episode.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with education specialist, Divine Kpe, about the state of Basic education in Ghana. Divine reflects on his personal journey, from growing up in a fishing community with limited access to education to becoming a teacher and later, an education policy expert. He now works as the Senior Program Officer for the Africa Education Watch, a research and advocacy organization dedicated to reforming education in Africa. His story and expertise offer insightful analysis of the educational system, digging deep into the systemic problems, developments, elements influencing high-quality education, as well as the reforms and interventions happening in the sector. He also makes a strong case for sustainable solutions to improve access to quality education for all. Listen now and enjoy the conversation!

What does it take to transform the lives of thousands of girls, one educational opportunity at a time? Join us as we commemorate 10 remarkable years of Girls Education Initiative Ghana's journey of transformation, empowerment, and change. In this episode, Kwame Speaks with Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson, the Founder and executive director of the GEIG. Driven by her life experiences and research, Elizabeth set out to champion a drive for quality and inclusive girls' education; creating an environment where girls, regardless of their circumstances and shortcomings, could receive quality education to enable them to become capable leaders in their communities. Through its scholarship, leadership development, mentorship, and professional advancement masterclass programs, GEIG has impacted the lives of over 20,000 young girls in the past decade.  Listen in to hear inspiring stories and insights, as well as learn about the organization's continuous efforts to change the lives of countless girls.

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Sarah Osei, the West African Regional Lead at Instill Education, a leading teacher CPD service provider dedicated to transforming education in Africa. Sarah shares her expertise and passion for improving educational outcomes in Africa, highlighting innovative programs and initiatives that Instill Education is implementing to empower teachers and students all around the continent. From leveraging technology to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, we delve into the strategies and success stories of Instill Education’s work. Sarah’s passion and dedication to empowering educators shine through in this inspiring conversation, offering valuable insights for anyone invested in the future of education in Africa.

In this Episode, Senyo speaks with Dr Mathero Michelle Nkalamba, a lecturer in Psychology at the University of Malawi, and a dedicated advocate for mental health in education, on the critical issue of mental well-being in schools in Africa. Michelle shares valuable insights and personal experiences, shedding light on the unique challenges faced in addressing mental health issues in the education sector. We discuss the cultural and societal factors that contribute to mental health issues, and innovative approaches to create effective support systems in African schools. Join us for an insightful conversation and discover the transformative impact of prioritizing mental health in the African education. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/educationafrica/support

In this episode, Kwame speaks with the Vice President of Academic City University on the use of generative AI tools in schools and educational institutions.